Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of aid to the civil power. In practice, this means that the Defence Forces assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. Since 2003, the Garda has requested support from the Defence Forces at Shannon Airport on occasion. The issues of overflights by foreign military aircraft and the use of Shannon by foreign military aircraft are the responsibility of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. It should be highlighted that successive Governments have made overflight landing facilities available at Shannon Airport to the United States for well over 50 years. These arrangements do not amount to any form of military alliance with the US and are governed by strict conditions applied to ensure compatibility with our traditional policy of military neutrality. The Deputy has made suggestions. If he is aware of any such cluster bombs being on board these aircraft, I ask him to go to An Garda Síochána to report that fact.

See this speech in context